Want a delicious and satisfying dinner option that's easy to make? This salmon Alfredo pasta recipe is the perfect choice! With succulent salmon, al dente pasta, and a rich and creamy sauce, it will be sure to satisfy your cravings.

This dish combines the rich and creamy flavors of Alfredo sauce with the delicate taste of salmon to create a truly satisfying meal. It can be served as a quick, easy weeknight dinner or dressed up for special occasions.
Alfredo salmon is perfect for those looking for a simple meal idea that is both tasty and nutritious. It's a great way to incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.
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Ingredients
This creamy Afredo dish is made with basic ingredients that are easy to find. For the best taste, use high-quality fresh salmon to ensure you'll get the maximum flavor.
Here's what you'll need to make the recipe:
- salmon
- garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- fettuccine
- unsalted butter
- garlic
- onion
- heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- nutmeg
- lemon
- ground white pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Once you've gathered and prepped the ingredients, it's time to cook your creamy salmon Alfredo pasta. To start, follow the instructions on the fettuccini package to cook pasta al dente. Then follow these easy step-by-step directions.
Gently place salmon fillet, skin side down, in a hot oiled skillet.
Add seasoning, then sear both sides of the fillet.
Transfer the salmon fillet onto a plate and cut into chunks.
Sauté onion until translucent in the same skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
Pour cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
Mix in Parmesan cheese to thicken. Combine until smooth and creamy.
Toss in al dente fettuccine. Coat pasta with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Add salmon, then drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss.
Top with lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
TIP: If the sauce is too thick, a little pasta water can be stirred in to thin it.
Transfer each serving to a plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese.
Variations
There are many ways to vary this dish with different flavors and textures to suit your taste buds. Here are a few suggestions you can try.
- Try using smoked salmon to add a smoky flavor to the cream sauce. Simply substitute it for the regular salmon and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Add vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Veggies will add color and provide added nutrients. To make this version, sauté your chosen veggies in butter or olive oil before adding them to your pasta during the final cooking stage.
- Substitute the cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt in the Alfredo sauce. This makes a lighter sauce with fewer calories.
Tips
Here are a few tips that can help you achieve the perfect dish.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon. Cook your fillet until it is just done. Overcooking will result in dry and tough meat.
- Use high-quality parmesan cheese for the sauce to ensure a rich and creamy texture.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water to al dente. This should prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Plate the pasta immediately after cooking. This ensures that the noodles don't stick together and everything stays hot.
- Top each serving with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil to add flavor and a pop of color.
Serving suggestions
Salmon fettuccine Alfredo can be served with air fryer garlic bread and a simple chopped salad on the side for a classic meal. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower are also delicious additions.
You can also top off your plate with steamed green beans and crispy bacon bits for an incredibly indulgent meal.
Storage
Once cooled, place the pasta in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. To avoid spoilage, make sure that all of the air has been removed from the container or bag before sealing.
If you plan on freezing your salmon Alfredo, it's important to do so as soon as possible after cooking. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer paper and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQ
Although the fish provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, the dish is not considered healthy. It's made with high-carb pasta and a rich sauce high in fat.
For a healthier version, try using shirataki pasta and a lighter sauce such as a tomato or pesto-based. Additionally, adding vegetables to the dish can increase its nutritional value and make it more filling.
When it comes to making salmon Alfredo, the best pasta to use is a long, thin variety like spaghetti or fettuccine. Long noodles are ideal for this dish because they provide the perfect surface area for the creamy sauce to cling to. Plus, they’re easy to twirl around your fork so you can get a bite of both salmon and sauce in every single bite.
Related Recipes
Need a few more dinner ideas for one or two? Here are some of our favorites.
- Steak pizzaiola is another tasty Italian-inspired dish.
- Chicken bacon ranch casserole adds a tangy sauce with penne.
- Alfredo steak pasta is perfect for those who prefer beef.
- Black pepper chicken is a popular Chinese American stir-fry.
- Chicken pot pie is a warm and comforting dish for a cozy dinner.
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Recipe
Salmon Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
FOR THE SALMON:
- 1 piece salmon fillet 200 grams
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- olive oil
FOR THE ALFREDO SAUCE PASTA:
- 4 ounces fettuccine dry pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 small finely chopped onion
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 1 /2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup pasta water or more, reserved after boiling pasta
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice after zesting lemon
- kosher salt to taste
- ground white pepper to taste
Instructions
FOR THE SALMON:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place salmon fillet, skin side down. Season with garlic, salt, and black pepper. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Slowly flip fillet and sear the flesh for 1 to 2 minutes. Baste the top (skin side) with the hot oil in the pan while the flesh of salmon is searing at the bottom of the pan. Salmon does not need to be fully cooked through.
- Transfer salmon fillet onto a plate. Rest for 5 minutes. Cut into bite-sized chunks.
FOR THE ALFREDO SAUCE PASTA:
- Using the same skillet, retain one tablespoon oil then add unsalted butter.
- Sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Pour cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Stir.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese. Combine until smooth and creamy.
- Toss in al dente fettuccine. Coat pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Add salmon then drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss.
- Top with lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese.
Elizabeth S
This was so good and easy to make! I topped ours with some fresh dill. Will definitely be making again.
Michelle
Such a wonderful, creamy pasta that was easy to whip up. Thanks for sharing your tips ways to make it healthier -- next time I'll try it with shirataki pasta.
Sharon
Yum! I have made chicken alfredo many times but this was my first time using salmon and it was really good. Thanks for the great recipe - a new dinner in the rotation.
Glenda
This was a simple and delicious weeknight dinner. Everyone asked to have it again, so it's going in our regular meal rotation. Thanks for the recipe!
Rebecca
Chicken Alfredo is one of my family's favorite meals but this salmon alfredo recipe looked so delicious, I just had to try it. We all agree that it's our new favorite! So flavorful and creamy! Thanks for a great recipe!
Janice
I just finished cooking this salmon Alfredo pasta recipe, and it really exceeded my expectations! The combination of salmon, pasta, and its rich, creamy sauce made this dish both delicious and satisfying. It's definitely worth a try, and I'll be making it again in the future.